“Getting a flu shot every year is the best way to protect yourself and your family from this very serious illness.

“Medical providers and pharmacies in Washington have flu vaccines to protect you from this year’s flu strains. Anyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated,” Lofy said.

Data from the National Immunization Survey, released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), show that flu vaccination rates in Washington are not where they should be. Only half of Washingtonians got vaccinated during the 2014-2015 flu season.

While about 70 percent of children from 6 months to 4 years old got vaccinated against the flu, only 43 percent of kids 13 to 17 years old received the flu vaccine.

Lofy said when fewer people get flu vaccines, flu spreads easily and quickly to vulnerable family and community members.

Young children, pregnant women, people 65 years and older, and those with chronic medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease or lung disease are at high risk for complications of flu, said Lofy.

She said anyone can get the flu, including healthy, young people. Flu is a highly contagious and serious disease that can cause moderate to severe illness, Lofy added.

She went on to explain that flu can lead to hospitalization and even be fatal. It spreads easily by coughing and sneezing and people can spread the flu before they know they are sick.

A yearly flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, said Lofy. She said some babies and children between 6 months and 8 years old need two doses of the vaccine this season to be fully protected. Parents, she continued, should make time to get their young children both doses for full protection. Lofy advises parents to ask their health care provider for advice about how many doses their child needs.

“Babies younger than 6 months can’t get the flu vaccine, so it’s important for others to get vaccinated to protect them,” Lofy said. “Flu vaccine is available everywhere and, since we’re starting to see flu cases, it’s important to get the vaccine now,” says Dr. Lofy.

Washington provides all recommended vaccines at no cost for kids from birth through age 18, and they’re available from health care providers across the state. Most health plans cover the cost for adults, too.

Lofy said although health care providers may charge an office-visit fee and an administration fee for the vaccine, a family that can’t afford to pay can ask that the administration fee be waived.